Quinoa trials conducted by the Department of Agriculture and Food in Kununurra

Tyne McConnon

Farmers in the north of Western Australia have had the chance to contribute their feedback to the Federal Government's Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, and their issues mirror those raised by farmers in southern Australia.

Red tap and the cost of production have been identified as a significant hindrance to agricultural industries.

The government's white paper is being toured through the country asking farmers and producers about their future competitiveness and profitability.

So far farmers in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, the Northern Territory and now Western Australia have had their chance to contribute to the final report.

Stewart Dobson, a fruit producer from Kununurra, says the high costs of production are holding his business back.

"If the government wants to make northern Australia the food bowl for Asia they have to help us with our import costs."

Costs such as transport, power, labour, water and red tape are adding up, says Mr Dobson.

He says he has previously exported his produce overseas, but the costs are now out-weighing any profit.

"It's certainly difficult when we are trying to compete, particularly with Florida and South Africa.

"Wages in Florida vary from about $8 per hour to $10 per hour and wages in South Africa are $2 a day.

"We are currently paying about $28 per employee per hour," explained Mr Dobson.

High costs are not only associated with such things as transport and labour, with producers saying the red tape that shrouds the industry is also costing them.

The daily regulatory hurdles are reported to be slowing the industry down and therefore costing it money.

Kununurra farmer David Menzel says he believes red tape is currently a hindrance to efficient production.

"The biggest issue for me is the amount of regulations we have to comply with and the burden that it imposes on businesses."

Mr Menzel says it's difficult for producers to work through State, Federal and Local Government rules and regulations.

"It takes you years and years to get any sort of approvals through. It's just too long a time frame for small and medium businesses. Probably large businesses would argue the same point."

The white paper hearings will continue around Australia until Mid April.

The issues raised will be used to develop the official white paper, which is hoped will identify ways of addressing the hurdles the industry is facing.